Celebrating student athletes
Kudos and inspirational stories were on the menu at the 2011-12 Graduating Stingers Luncheon held on Concordia’s Loyola Campus on April 10. The event was organized to salute student athletes before they leave university to pursue graduate studies or careers.
Katie Sheahan, director of Concordia’s Department of Recreation and Athletics and the master of ceremonies, thanked staff and faculty who over the years have helped Stingers thrive.
“I am thinking of those of you out there who may not realize that one caring answer to a question, or the opportunity for a Stinger to reschedule an assignment or exam, helped them balance both athletics and academics,” she said. “And thanks to coaches and staff for helping these graduating Stingers get ready for the next step in their careers.”
Among the honoured Stingers were Millie Schneider, alpine skiing; Matt Schwartz, alpine skiing; Sofiane Guend, cross country; Alynn Doiron, women’s hockey; Maggie MacNeil, women’s hockey; Eric Begin, men’s hockey; Francois Lanctot-Marcotte, men’s hockey; Ryan Lawlor, men’s hockey; Michael Blundon, men’s hockey; Sarah Scanlon, women’s rugby; Jackie Tittley, women’s rugby; Jeremy Chung Lim, men’s rugby; Decee Krah, men’s basketball; Laurie Proulx-Duperré, women's hockey; and Charles-Antoine Messier, men's hockey.
In the glow of an overcast light that shone into the atrium of the Communication and Journalism Building, the graduating Stingers enjoyed a buffet of sandwiches, salads, vegetables, fruit and desserts. The students mingled with fellow athletes, family, faculty, staff and donors.
According to Sheahan, the luncheon was inspired a few years ago by a Stinger. His idea was simple: “Ensure that as we bid congratulations to our graduates as they leave the role of Stinger athlete officially that we also bid them welcome into the proud ranks of our alumni association and the Concordia Stinger Varsity Chapter.”
Lisa-Marie Breton-Lebreux, a former Stinger and member of the alumni varsity chapter, was a key speaker during the luncheon. She recounted her journey from a passionate athlete on Concordia’s women’s hockey team to a Concordia staff member in the Department of Recreation and Athletics.
“Think of the times and experiences you had here and take them with you,” said Breton-Lebreux. “Think big in the workplace. Fix your objectives like you did with your sport and know that all of your actions will help you eventually achieve your goals, as all actions result in reaction.”
Jeremy Chung Lim, a rugby player, said he would cherish the positive, never-give-up attitude he adopted as a Stinger. A computer engineering graduate, he already has a job lined up at Bombardier and said he will bring the discipline and time management skills he learned as a student and athlete to his new position.
Tittley, who has a bachelor’s degree in leisure sciences and was a star player on the women’s rugby team, plans to apply her dedication and commitment acquired for the sport and her studies to the workplace.
While the next step for marketing major and basketball player Decee Krah is teacher’s college. He sees himself sharing what he takes with him from Concordia with his future students ? the value of goal-setting and the importance of respect for self and for others.
“Forty Stingers will graduate this year,” said Sheahan, “I think that this is a terrific send-off for them as they begin their lives after ‘Stingerhood’.”
The Graduating Stingers Luncheon was organized by the Department of Recreation and Athletics, Advancement and Alumni Relations and the Concordia University Alumni Association.
Related links:
• Concordia Department of Recreation and Athletics
• Advancement and Alumni Relations